Irish government jet travels to UAE for Kinahan extradition
Daniel Kinahan was arrested in Dubai under a warrant issued by the Irish courts in April but has fought attempts to extradite him.
The Irish government jet departed for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to facilitate the extradition of suspected crime boss Daniel Kinahan. Kinahan was apprehended in Dubai, following a warrant issued by Irish courts in April, but has consistently opposed extradition efforts. Despite his repeated appeals, Kinahan is anticipated to return to Ireland on Sunday, according to Irish broadcaster RTÉ.
Upon his arrival, a significant security operation will be implemented, and the prison service has enhanced measures in the maximum-security Portlaoise Prison. The United States had previously sanctioned Kinahan in April 2022 for his leadership role in the Kinahan organized crime cartel. The Irish authorities intend to prosecute him for his involvement in leading a criminal organization.
An extradition treaty exists between the UAE and Ireland, which was utilized in the case of Sean McGovern, a senior lieutenant in the crime group. McGovern was sentenced to 24 years in prison in June for orchestrating criminal organization activities. In 2016, an assassination attempt was made on Kinahan's life during the Regency Hotel shooting, resulting in the death of one associate, David Byrne, and injuries to two others.
This incident marked the onset of the Hutch-Kinahan feud, which has claimed at least 18 lives. The group has been responsible for smuggling substantial quantities of drugs and firearms across the globe for over two decades, according to the National Crime Agency (NCA). The NCA reported that the Kinahan cartel is linked to over a dozen gangland murders.
The US Treasury Department considers the Kinahan cartel to be one of the most perilous in the world, comparable to organizations such as Italy's Camorra, Mexico's Los Zetas, and Japan's Yakuza. A reward of up to $5 million (£3.84 million) has been offered by the US for information regarding the three highest-ranking Kinahan gang members - Daniel, his father Christopher Sr., 65, and brother Christopher Jnr.
Former Gardaí (Irish police) Commissioner Drew Harris estimated that the gang has generated over €1 billion (£836,590,000) globally through its activities. In 2022, Thomas Kavanagh, who managed the group's criminal operations in the UK, was sentenced to 21 years, alongside Gary Vickery and Daniel Canning, who received 20 years and 19 and a half years, respectively.
The NCA stated that evidence indicated they were responsible for cocaine imports estimated at £23.4 million and cannabis imports worth around £6.4 million. Daniel Kinahan's legal counsel has previously asserted to BBC Panorama that he possesses no criminal record or convictions, and that the allegations against him as a crime boss are false and lack any evidential foundation.
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